An optimized ensemble search approach for classification of higher-level gait disorder using brain magnetic resonance imagesShow others and affiliations
2025 (English)In: Computers in Biology and Medicine, ISSN 0010-4825, E-ISSN 1879-0534, Vol. 184, article id 109457Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Higher-Level Gait Disorder (HLGD) is a type of gait disorder estimated to affect up to 6% of the older population. By definition, its symptoms originate from the higher-level nervous system, yet its association with brain morphology remains unclear. This study hypothesizes that there are patterns in brain morphology linked to HLGD. For the first time in the literature, this work investigates whether deep learning, in the form of convolutional neural networks, can capture patterns in magnetic resonance images to identify individuals affected by HLGD. To handle this new classification task, we propose setting up an ensemble of models. This leverages the benefits of combining classifiers instead of determining which network is the most suitable, developing a new architecture, or customizing an existing one. We introduce a computationally cost-effective search algorithm to find the optimal ensemble by leveraging a cost function of both traditional performance scores and the diversity among the models. Using a unique dataset from a large population-based cohort (VESPR), the ensemble identified by our algorithm demonstrated superior performance compared to single networks, other ensemble fusion techniques, and the best linear radiological measure. This emphasizes the importance of implementing diversity into the cost function. Furthermore, the results indicate significant morphological differences in brain structure between HLGD-affected individuals and controls, motivating research about which areas the networks base their classifications on, to get a better understanding of the pathophysiology of HLGD.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 184, article id 109457
Keywords [en]
Artificial intelligence, CNN, Convolutional neural networks, Ensemble learning, Gait disorder, Medical imaging, MRI, Neurological disorders, Normal pressure hydrocephalus, Optimization
National Category
Neurosciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-232782DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109457Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85210376400OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-232782DiVA, id: diva2:1921203
Funder
Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, RMX18-0152Swedish Research Council, 2021-00711_VR/JPNDUmeå UniversityRegion Västerbotten2024-12-132024-12-132024-12-13Bibliographically approved